Fly Baghdad subject to US sanctions suspends operations

Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad, subject to US sanctions, announced the complete suspension of its operations and the cancellation of all flights until further notice. 

“In accordance with the decision of the government and Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, Fly Baghdad will cease operating flights from now until further notice,” said the airline . The measures were taken in connection with “an investigation conducted by a specially formed committee” and which will have to “prove the illegality of the sanctions imposed on the company.”

Fly Baghdad also noted the measures led to the freezing of its bank accounts. As a result, the carrier has asked the Iraqi government for assistance in transporting its customers.

On 22 January 2024, the US imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and six legal entities for connections with Hamas, Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Fly Baghdad was blacklisted for “providing support”, which it denies.